Dear Ferreteers, I apologize for not writing last night, but I've learned SOOO Much about the Tampa 9 since Friday. 8 of them have now given themselves names & I now know so much more about who they are. Here is the precis; Bogart M Albino Sweet natured, only nippy under provocation Hugh M Albino Sleepy, sweet, Big! Sybill F Sable Nippy, beautiful, loves her foster mom's toes & socks Sadie F Sable Beautiful face, almost panda markings, nippy, loves tummy skritches Boris M Albino Loves his foster mom - mouths her without biting sniffs every inch, beautiful, responds rapidly to correction Natasha F Sable Incredible markings, sweet nature, loving to my other ferret I placed with her. The last three - Stubby & his 2 cage mates (female sables )- are not known well enough yet for them to have told me their names. I expect to hear them tomorrow & will share them with you as soon as they tell me what they are. Each of these babies need adopting. They also each need to find a loving home with someone who will finalize bite-training, and love them in the process. Each of these sweeties has wandered around a real home for the first time this week. Each has been cuddled, fed treats, had his/her belly skritched and blown on for the first time. Each has heard a loving voice call him/her hunny bunny/sweetest baby/darlin sugar plum for the first time. Each has smelled vanilla, dug into warm blankies in a soft good smelling room of their own for the first time. Each has heard soft gentle music playing as s/he slept. Each has had loving hands hold him and stroke him, and let him go when it is time. Almost all have bitten and been corrected gently & lovingly (time out, NO!, NO BITE, etc.) If you think you can take one of these babies in, email me. If you feel your life, your home,, your family, will take to living with an Arcadia ferret and making it a part of your ferret family, write me & we'll try to make both of you happy. Our first priority is the well-being of these beautiful animals. Along with the Tampa 9 are 26 ferrets taken to Gainesville for surgery. Not having lived with them, I don't know them as well. I do know at least one of their foster moms (Deena Canal), so I know that the G'ville 26 are being loved as much as their bro's/sis in Tampa are. I expect by Tuesday to have some adoption decisions made. Write me, I'll be in touch. Sweet Ferret Dreams to you all, Paula [Posted in FML issue 2162]